Local Surfer Thomas Woods surfing into the Semifinals of the ASP 4-Star Breaka Burleigh Pro. Photo: Courtesy of ASP

GOLD COAST, Queensland/Australia (Saturday, February 19, 2011) - Taj Burrow (AUS) stole the spotlight once again at Burleigh Heads winning through to the Semifinals on the penultimate day of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 4-Star, US$85,000 Breaka Burleigh Pro.

“Looking forward to tomorrow’s finals for sure” said Burrow after his Quarterfinals win.

“The waves are small but super fun and they run off for distance allowing plenty of big moves – I love Burleigh the wave and I’d love to win this event again!”

A residual 0.5-1m swell lapped the rocky shoreline of the iconic pointbreak of Burleigh Heads with Burrow, Julian Wilson (AUS) and Bede Durbidge (AUS) setting up some mouth watering match ups when competition resumes and a champion is crowned.

Portugal’s Tiago Pires also surfed superbly to advance to the semi’s by topping local favourite Jay Thompson in his Quarterfinal, with Thompson also advancing in second place in the four-man Quarterfinal heat.

Local youngster and wildcard surfer in this event Thomas Woods was in scintillating form today, winning his Quarterfinal over Bede Durbidge. The talented 18-year-old is so familiar with the wave and displays all the progressive moves to be a real threat in tomorrows finals.

Joel Parkinson and Julian Wilson advanced through the final Quarterfinal and both surfers look in superb touch and ready for tomorrows finals and the coming ASP World Championship event which begins next week at Snapper Rocks.

French surfer Jeremy Flores has been disqualified from the event after an unfortunate incident while free surfing in the event area.

“Following a physical altercation today, Jeremy Flores has been disqualified from the event. The Association of Surfing Professionals does not condone any form of physical violence and we have strict rules in place for the conduct of any member both Jeremy and Sunny have also been referred to the ASP rules and disciplinary committee who will review the facts and make a decision if further action is required.” Dane Jordan, ASP Australasia Tour Manager said.

In 2010, Breaka Flavoured Milk returned professional surfing to its spiritual home of Burleigh Heads after almost a 10-year hiatus from the iconic surfing venue.